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jem_1984's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
informative
inspiring
reflective
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
sylda's review against another edition
emotional
reflective
sad
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
serranok's review against another edition
challenging
emotional
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.5
egrant8's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
informative
sad
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
3.0
misspalah's review against another edition
4.0
“As each conflict has developed and eventually made way for the next, wave of migrants have followed in its wake ; the human make up of this country , this region is constantly changing , loyalties forever unfixed and those left behind whether Lebanese or Palestinian whether from Syria, Iraq, Libya or Yemen find themselves disconnected and dependent on whatever , whomever provides reprieve from this state of drifting. Is disposession exclusive to the poor and destitute or are we all in the same situation now?”
- Nada Anwar Jarrar, An Unsafe Haven.
.
.
I actually enjoyed this book more than i thought i would be. This is solely because of goodreads rating doesnt look that promising. However, since i havent read anything that featured Lebanon as its setting, i decided to just jump into it. The book was set in multiple point of view of its characters specifically Hannah, Peter, Anas and Maysoun. I believe the intention of the author for this book is to demonstrate the ripple effect of War (The threat of Islamic States, Syrian War and even from Iraqi War and Illegal Occupation of Palestine) - how these wars affected the neighboring countries by bearing the influx of refugees seeking protection and ultimately, to highlight the plight of these dispossessed people. The pacing is slow but it is within the right context as readers might need time to fully comprehend the magnitude of civil unrest, The human displacement, and clashes of cultural values / Upbringing among these 4 characters. I would recommend it as i felt this book is meant to be contemplative - to put yourself in these people’s shoes and ponder the question “Would you do the same?”
- Nada Anwar Jarrar, An Unsafe Haven.
.
.
I actually enjoyed this book more than i thought i would be. This is solely because of goodreads rating doesnt look that promising. However, since i havent read anything that featured Lebanon as its setting, i decided to just jump into it. The book was set in multiple point of view of its characters specifically Hannah, Peter, Anas and Maysoun. I believe the intention of the author for this book is to demonstrate the ripple effect of War (The threat of Islamic States, Syrian War and even from Iraqi War and Illegal Occupation of Palestine) - how these wars affected the neighboring countries by bearing the influx of refugees seeking protection and ultimately, to highlight the plight of these dispossessed people. The pacing is slow but it is within the right context as readers might need time to fully comprehend the magnitude of civil unrest, The human displacement, and clashes of cultural values / Upbringing among these 4 characters. I would recommend it as i felt this book is meant to be contemplative - to put yourself in these people’s shoes and ponder the question “Would you do the same?”
megswhitaker's review against another edition
emotional
reflective
sad
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
fmay11's review against another edition
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
aishaayoosh's review against another edition
4.0
This novel is based around the time of the Arab spring. Based in Beirut but focusing on the impact on individuals fleeing the war in Syria and Iraq as they try to find a safe haven.
However, within all this we are constantly reminded that Lebanon has been through its own wars and is still recovering from the aftermath.
Everyone in this book is trying to live and work amidst chaos and uncertainty. While the war tears Syria apart, it’s repercussions can be felt all around.
Through its realistic narrative, the book does manage to do justice to the truth of both conflict and displacement.
The different viewpoints of individuals expressed in this novel do help to understand the human side of the conflict.
I won’t say it’s a literary masterpiece, but it’s a book written at a very human level and was actually very easy to read.
However, within all this we are constantly reminded that Lebanon has been through its own wars and is still recovering from the aftermath.
Everyone in this book is trying to live and work amidst chaos and uncertainty. While the war tears Syria apart, it’s repercussions can be felt all around.
Through its realistic narrative, the book does manage to do justice to the truth of both conflict and displacement.
The different viewpoints of individuals expressed in this novel do help to understand the human side of the conflict.
I won’t say it’s a literary masterpiece, but it’s a book written at a very human level and was actually very easy to read.
faery_nuff's review against another edition
5.0
Very thought provoking and a great insight into a very personal story